June 21, 2005

This month Dutch scientists reported that folic acid, a B-vitamin, may slow cognitive decline. The scientific trial included a random sample of 818 men and women between the ages of 50 and 70 who had elevated levels of homocysteine at baseline. For three years the randomized group was divided and adminstered either a placebo or 800 mcg of folic acid. This is double the RDA recommended for adults.

The blood folate levels for those in the treatment group increased five times and showed decreased homocysteine levels averaging 25%.

In several cognitive tests, the treatment group performed significantly better than the placebo group. Memory was equivalent to being 5.4 years younger and information processing was that of people two years younger. Tests involving the speed of reading a list of words under varying conditions showed sensory motor speed was typical of being 1.9 years younger.

Other studies had already shown that increased levels of homocysteine are associated with mental decline in Alzheimer's disease. The subjects selected for the Dutch study did not have Alzheiemer's disease but their decreased levels of homocysteine after folate supplementation are validating ongoing studies.

The National Institutes of Health is sponsoring a trial using high dose folic acid supplementation along with vitamins B6 and B12 to see if the vitamins can slow the rate of mental decline in people with Alzheimer's. The study is expected to be completed in February of 2006.

The ProThera staff is encouraged by the recent Dutch study and pleased to discover another reason for ensuring adequate daily intake of Folic Acid in your patients diets.